Michael “Mike” Eugene Putnam, 77, of Clear Lake

Michael “Mike” Eugene Putnam, 77, of Clear Lake, passed peacefully on Sunday, November 2, 2025 at Mercy One,
Mason City, Iowa.

Michael was born October 16, 1948 in Waterloo, Iowa, to Gerald and Mary (Baier) Putnam. He lived in Cedar Falls
and Waterloo until after his graduation from West Waterloo High School in 1968.

Like many military veterans, Mike accumulated numerous health issues due to exposure to Agent Orange while
serving in the US Army in Vietnam.

Mike was a devoted single parent to young Jenifer. One night Mike asked Jessica Moeller to dance while he was
standing on her toes; she declined. Another night he persisted; they dated. He proved to be a great dancer and life
partner. Mike and Jessie married in Gladbrook, Iowa on November 18, 1973 when as Jenifer told her first grade
classmates “we all got married together”.

Mike was a fun, dedicated and enthusiastic parent and grandparent. He did his best to impart his love of fireworks;
this took with most of his grandkids. His peanut butter balls were eagerly anticipated to celebrate holidays and
family members’ achievements.

Mike’s love of cars began early in life. He and his brother, Don, worked on cars, raced at Neita Raceway and
attended NHRA events. Cars took Mike into sales in Cedar Falls, Waterloo and eventually in 1978 to Clear Lake and
Mason City when he and his family moved to Clear Lake. He enjoyed learning all about the newest car models and
helping customers find the right one.

A skilled craftsman, Mike restored furniture as Putnam’s Refinishing for over 25 years for the public and for sale at
several area spots including at Antiques on Main in Clear Lake, which he and Jessie established with Hartnett’s.
Mike especially took pleasure in extending an heirloom’s life.

Mike showed his love for his retirement job as Head of Maintenance and Grounds at Camp Tanglefoot by the care
and the initiatives he gave the camp.

Mike’s special interests over the years included showing German Shepards; camping, boating, snowmobiling and
other adventures with extended family; dancing with his wife; winter travels to warm places; meeting buddies
downtown; cheering, when warranted, for the Vikings and Hawkeyes.

Mike is survived by his wife, Jessica; daughter, Jenifer Dvorak (John Katz); grandchildren Wolfgang (Olivia), William
and Jessalyn Dvorak; sister Rosie Sorensen; sisters-in-law Fran Putnam, Jo Arbuckle and Joanne Moeller; brother-
in-law Jay (Debbie Anne) Moeller and cherished nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in
death by his parents; his in-laws, Lyle and Emma Moeller; brother, Don; brothers-in-law Larry Sorensen and Jon
Moeller.

Mike and his family have appreciated the treatment, care and support provided over many years by the Mason
City and Des Moines VA clinics and recently by Mercy One clinics and hospital.

Mike’s family will host a Celebration of Life at a later time. Plans will be announced on Mike’s tribute page at
www.ColonialChapels.com

Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 First Ave North Clear Lake, Iowa 50428. 641-357-2193.
www.colonialchapels.com